Memorize
/ˈmɛməˌraɪz/
Definitions
To learn something so that you remember it exactly.
/ˈmɛməˌraɪz/
To commit something to memory.
I need to memorize this poem for the recital.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to learn a song perfectly. Memorizing is like that – you're making sure the information sticks in your brain so you can recall it later. For example, if you want to remember where to put all your toys, you can memorize where each one goes. This can also be used in school - If you study hard to memorize the times tables, you can quickly answer all sorts of math questions. It's how you store information in your brain.
👶 For kids: To learn something so well that you can remember it without looking.
More Examples
She memorized the names of all the players on the team.
The actor memorized the entire script in a week.
How It's Used
"Students are often asked to memorize historical dates and facts."
"Actors must memorize their lines for a play or film."
"He tried to memorize the directions to her house."
Idioms & expressions
memorize something by rote
To learn something by repeating it many times without necessarily understanding it.
"Many students memorize multiplication tables by rote."
From Late Latin *memorizare*, from Latin *memor* ('mindful, remembering').
The word 'memorize' has been used since the late 16th century, evolving from the earlier term 'memorise'.
Memory tip
Imagine you're taking a mental photo; you're imprinting the information in your memory.